Dr. Jim PEARCE

Thinking of the Family of James Gammill Pearce, Band Director, Cross Keys High School, Atlanta, Georgia, 1958-1963.

D.H. Dale MBA CGSC LOM
Major, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Retired - 1993)
The Drum Major 1958-1963
Publisher/Producer/Writer 1997-2017
http://www.dhdale.com/
[email protected]

Mary, I am sorry I did not hear the news about Jim's passing in time to attend the service. He taught me to play clarinet in 4th grade at Woodward but more important he taught me to love to entertain. I was in 8th grade his last year at Cross Keys but there are still a lot of Mr. Pearce stories that I shared with my sons who were in band and orchestra and many others even to this day. He made a big difference in many young lives and will be fondly remembered.

Deepest condolences to the Pearce and Ward families and their close friends. I know Dr. Pearce will be greatly missed. He was a superb Band Director at CKHS. Dr. Pearce was great at working with the band as a whole unit but he never lost sight of each and every individual band member. He was always leading and counseling to make the group better.

Jim Pearce was the band and chorus director at Cross Keys High School from 1959-1961. I was the chorus pianist for the first three years the school was open and was privileged to study under him. He had his hands full with the new school band and chorus and helped us as we adapted to the transfer from Chamblee. He was much more than a teacher; he was truly a great leader, and I learned much from him. I wish he could know I kept playing the piano most of my life until a physical problem ...

I remember Dr. Pearce as a good man. He not only led a great school and was loved by his students and faculty, but also helped me when it was time for me to go out into the world first as an Emory grad student, then for my first real job at CDC. He was encouraging when I was scared. I'm sure the resume he wrote for me helped me with my applications. My sympathy to the family.

Dr. Pearce was a fantastic principal and leader. As an educator, I now understand the importance of working in an environment under and with an excellent leader. I have such fond memories of Rockbridge Elementary and Dr.Pearce! I am 46 years old and find it incredible that my mom knew i would want to know about his passing. She received the news from a series of email forwards before it was sent to me. This shows how many people almost half a century later still respect Dr. Pearce and...

I am very sorry to read about the passing of Dr. Pearce. Not only was he a great principal, before that he was a great band director who's positive influence, and some time stern talks, sent many a band member on a much better course through life. He was the most influential teacher in my life. May the Lord comfort Mary and the family.

Dr. Pearce was not only a wonderful principal who influenced the growth of our three sons, but was a great supporter of the PTA and parent volunteers who helped maked Rockbridge Elementary the School of Excellence that it was. Our sympathy to Mary, her son and his family.